Harry Kane and James Maddison show their support for brave Dele Alli after emotional and heartbreaking interview
HARRY KANE led the show of support for Dele Alli after the midfielder’s emotional interview with Gary Neville.
The Everton ace bravely revealed he checked himself into rehab for six weeks for a sleeping pill addiction after the end of the loan spell with Besiktas.
Alli, 27, also revealed that he’d been molested by one of his mother’s friends at the age of six.
Footie fans around the world rallied around the former England international after his heartbreaking revelations, including several of his fellow pros.
Alli shared a snap of himself with Neville during the interview to his Instagram with the accompanying caption: “I recently sat down with @gneville2 to speak about my life and what’s been happening in recent years.”
The post was liked by Alli’s former Tottenham and England team-mate Kane and scores of other footie stars.
Kane later tweeted: “Proud of @dele_official for speaking out and sharing his experience to try and help others.”
Chelsea defender Ben Chiwell commented on the Instagram post, writing: “Love you, brother.”
Tottenham newboy James Maddison commented: “Proud of you brother! Love you always.”
Alli’s former Spurs team-mate Ryan Sessegnon wrote: “Love you brother. Proud.”
Manchester United and England defender Harry Maguire commented with two love-heart emojis.
Former England team-mate Ross Barkley chimed in: “Love ya lad.”
Ex-Tottenham star Kyle Walker-Peters said: “So proud of you bro, love you.
Everton hitman Dominic Calvert-Lewin also sent a message of support, writing: “Extremely proud of you bro.”
Former Tottenham winger Steven Bergwijn showed his support with a love-heart emoji.
Everton issued a statement on their midfielder’s revelations, saying: “The Club has been supporting Dele in both his return to fitness and overcoming the personal challenges highlighted in his interview with The Overlap.
“Everyone at Everton respects and applauds Dele’s bravery to speak about the difficulties he has faced, as well as seek the help required.
“The physical and mental welfare of all our players is of paramount importance.
“The Club takes very seriously its responsibility in protecting the confidentiality of players and staff. Dele will not be conducting any further interviews in relation to his rehabilitation, and we ask that his privacy is respected while he continues his recuperation from injury and receives the full care and support needed for his physical and mental wellbeing.”
In addition to opening up on his harrowing ordeals, Alli revealed he contemplating hanging up his boots aged 24.
The former MK Dons man said: “One morning I woke up and I had to go training.
“I remember staring in the mirror and I was asking if I could retire now.
“At 24. Doing the thing I love. For me that was heartbreaking.”
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.